Edward's nose flared and his eyes became alert, staring off into the forest. Although Mount Rainer was steep, it still was full of tall trees. Without warning, Edward had me tight against his chest. My head was tucked under his chin, and his eyes darted around him. Then, before I could catch my breath, we were flying. My arms flew around his neck as I wrapped my legs around his upper body. With my eyes squeezed shut, the freezing air whipped around my back. My face was to his chest, wishing that I was aware of what was what was happening. A low, terrified sob escaped from my mouth.
"Shh, love. Hold on tight," Edward whispered fiercely. I was petrified. Why would anyone want to hurt us? Angry, fearful tears stained his sweater. My fists balled up in an automatic response to the thought of someone taking Edward away from me. We ran for nearly twenty minutes, my fear growing and growing until I couldn't hold back my panic. Loud sobs erupted from my chest. I couldn't even control them.
Edward quickened his pace. "You are my life, Bella, no one will touch you," he sternly whispered. The trees were a blur, and beginning to become larger. Suddenly I realized that we were no longer on the large mountain, but speeding through the forest at the foot of it.
"Breathe, Bella! I'm begging you!" Edward hoarsely said as glanced down at me. My face was buried in the crook of his shoulder. Loud, gasping sounds were unsteadily wheezing from my mouth. All I could comprehend was that there was something dangerous out there, just on our tracks, ready to harm us.
We finally reached what appeared to be a town. The bright lights of a gas station burned my tearful eyes. Edward set me down to a standing position and grasped my hand. He intertwined our fingers and hurried us into the little store.
I was shaking with fear, but Edward somehow maintained a calm disposition. He waltzed right up to the counter, where a skinny woman with a bear-adorned sweater smiled politely at Edward.
"Excuse me, ma'am, but would you happen to know where I could borrow a car? Preferably a fast one." Edward asked quickly. The woman shook her head slowly, obviously not wanted to upset Edward. She slowly tapped on her temple, and then a grin appeared on her face.
"Now I know ole' Bill Garrett down there's been tryin' to sell his son's Mustang. Ain't nobody here that can afford it!" The woman seemed very pleased with herself for remembering this helpful information, and she gave Edward detailed directions before turning to me.
"Little lady, would you like some coffee? Something to wake you up a little?" She timidly asked. Suddenly, I felt Edward's cool arm snake around my waist. He smiled and told her we were in a hurry, and walked us out of her shop. Before I knew it, Edward ran faster than I'd ever seen him travel before. The freezing air made my hands and face sting, and I didn't even want to know what my hair looked like.
We made it to a small, brick house. Edward used his charm to convince whomever the old man was to buy his car, and then we were off. The night sky was cloudy and hazy, with no stars twinkling in the night sky. Without even realizing it, my head slumped onto Edward's strong shoulder.